Friday, June 29, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Proud of myself..
I think I may have finally made a positive impact on my sister's way of thinking. She was having somewhat of a mental breakdown tonight because of her deadbeat husband. He packed up and left her (and her 3 kids) tonight..and she really needed someone to talk to (she's living with my Nanny across the street) so I invited her to come sit and talk with me to try to calm down. And she was just upset about everything. So I talked to her and told her how she can make a change. How it's never too late to be who you might have been. How there's always something you can do to better youself. Basically I shared my headstrong qualities with her. And how doing a little each day can lead to a brighter tomorrow. All things I truly believe..and I really think it did her some good. Only time will tell..but maybe hearing it from someone who wasn't trying to nag her or control her..just trying to direct her will help her see there is still potential to do the best. I honestly felt really bad for her..and kind of special that she turned to me for advice and support. And I know I haven't agreed with her decision making in the past, but I believe she can make a brighter tomorrow if she wants it enough. I just hope everything I told her she takes to heart. I tried to reassure her that she doesn't need any dead weight and that she can do anything she sets her mind to. I'm glad I could try to help her. And I hope she takes it to heart. I'll keep everyone updated.
Monday, June 18, 2012
This birthday plan is in motion..along with a fantastic day.!
Today was a great day.!! I decided on a spur of the moment house shopping spree. Troy's family got me a Hobby Lobby gift card so that was my first stop. I got some neat stuff. They have their Fall and Christmas decorations out.!! I literally got butterflies. I ended up getting a Fall decoration. I also got zebra print coasters for my living room, Cayle's first birthday present, and a photo album. Cayle's first birthday present being the materials I need to make his new blanket. I can't wait to start on it.!!
After that we went to Walmart. My original idea was to get things for my bathroom, but since they didn't have the color towels I wanted in stock, I went and got more kitchen stuff. I figured I couldn't go wrong either way. So I got some tub-wear dishes, a black and red strainer, sink stoppers, and three cookie sheets for baking. I'm really excited because that alone almost filled my storage tub. When they get more towels in stock, I plan on buying 6 (18 towels total which may change) of each color for my bathroom. My bathroom will be dark purple, black, and grey with plastic diamonds and pictures on Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Girly but just my style.
When I got home I took Cayle swimming. While he was swimming, I called the state park and asked them about renting the indoor pavilion for his birthday. Why am I asking so early.? Because that place books faster than the speed of light. No joke. But to my luck there was a spot open November 4th just like I wanted. So I booked it. It'll cost $50 to rent it, but once everyone sees it..you'll understand why. I can't wait.!
I'd say overall a very accomplished day. Below are the pictures of my new goodies I bought today.!
After that we went to Walmart. My original idea was to get things for my bathroom, but since they didn't have the color towels I wanted in stock, I went and got more kitchen stuff. I figured I couldn't go wrong either way. So I got some tub-wear dishes, a black and red strainer, sink stoppers, and three cookie sheets for baking. I'm really excited because that alone almost filled my storage tub. When they get more towels in stock, I plan on buying 6 (18 towels total which may change) of each color for my bathroom. My bathroom will be dark purple, black, and grey with plastic diamonds and pictures on Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Girly but just my style.
When I got home I took Cayle swimming. While he was swimming, I called the state park and asked them about renting the indoor pavilion for his birthday. Why am I asking so early.? Because that place books faster than the speed of light. No joke. But to my luck there was a spot open November 4th just like I wanted. So I booked it. It'll cost $50 to rent it, but once everyone sees it..you'll understand why. I can't wait.!
I'd say overall a very accomplished day. Below are the pictures of my new goodies I bought today.!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Puppy Fever.
I've mentioned before about wanting a Boston Terrier later down the road. But here lately I've got puppy fever. I KNOW I can't afford to have one now, but that doesn't stop me from wanting one.! I just wanted to say that I can't wait for the day that I can have a puppy for Cayle and myself. He loves animals. And he's really good about being gentle with them. I wanna name it Kermit and make it wear clothes and cute collars. Boston Terriers are great with kids and easy to train. I can envision a Christmas portrait of the three of us with a big Christmas tree and Santa in the back ground. Wouldn't that be nice.?
This weekend has been so great.! Friday night I saw the Goo Goo dolls downtown with some friends. They put on an amazing show.! They have some sentimental meaning to me. Afterwards I went to see Troy. His mom got me a graduation card and it had a $40 gift card to hobby lobby inside.!!! I was so excited. It was so sweet of her. It's neat how she remembered I love hobby lobby. I can't wait to splurge a little on house decor..or photo frames.
Today, my sister turned her hair orange and I had to fix it. I couldn't stop laughing at it the entire time. She was a carrot top. Trying to make herself blonde. Later tonight I went to a friend's house and did her mother's hair. Her name is Johnnie. And she is one of the sweetest ladies I've ever met. She loves Cayle and me too. She has a granddaughter a year older than Cayle and invited us to come play later this week. I really enjoy talking to her. I feel like I've known her forever. Out of all the hair services I've done since Thursday I've made sixty extra dollars. I'm trying to decide if I want to buy house stuff or invest it into savings. Both will have positive outcomes. Maybe I'll do half and half. Can't go wrong that way. :)
Tomorrow is Father's Day and Cayle and I got Daddy a Tennessee Vols beach towel for when they go to the beach next month. Hope he likes it.
This weekend has been so great.! Friday night I saw the Goo Goo dolls downtown with some friends. They put on an amazing show.! They have some sentimental meaning to me. Afterwards I went to see Troy. His mom got me a graduation card and it had a $40 gift card to hobby lobby inside.!!! I was so excited. It was so sweet of her. It's neat how she remembered I love hobby lobby. I can't wait to splurge a little on house decor..or photo frames.
Today, my sister turned her hair orange and I had to fix it. I couldn't stop laughing at it the entire time. She was a carrot top. Trying to make herself blonde. Later tonight I went to a friend's house and did her mother's hair. Her name is Johnnie. And she is one of the sweetest ladies I've ever met. She loves Cayle and me too. She has a granddaughter a year older than Cayle and invited us to come play later this week. I really enjoy talking to her. I feel like I've known her forever. Out of all the hair services I've done since Thursday I've made sixty extra dollars. I'm trying to decide if I want to buy house stuff or invest it into savings. Both will have positive outcomes. Maybe I'll do half and half. Can't go wrong that way. :)
Tomorrow is Father's Day and Cayle and I got Daddy a Tennessee Vols beach towel for when they go to the beach next month. Hope he likes it.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
I'm on my way..
I made a very important step in building the best life for both Cayle and myself. Today I went to my work and got things worked out with my card. The card company being the complete idiots they are keyed in my SS number wrong. Regis had it right. So we finally got it fixed. I was SO happy to finally have access to my money. First thing I did was get all the money off my card. With that money..I went and opened my bank accounts. Both savings and checking. It made me feel very independent. Like I was being the responsible person I know I am. Daddy even phoned me to tell me congratulations on taking the next step.
My plan is to keep my spending at a minimum so I can let some money build up. If I can manage to spend less than fifty dollars a week and save the rest of that I'll be satisfied. The only things I really get anymore are gas and baby items (diapers, wipes, etc..). I want to apply for a credit card with a small limit to try and build some credit. Probably around the time I have 700 dollars built up. I wouldn't use it for much and I would always make sure that I have that money in the bank if I use the card any. I want to be able to buy a house one day.. and I can't do that without credit. It's a lot to handle, but I think I'm doing okay. Money stresses me out anyways..
As far as a savings account I want to try to put in at least $30 out of each pay check if I can afford to. If not I want to try to put what I can in there. I'm also keeping an emergency stash of cash in my fire proof lock box. I put a little in it each time I have extra cash. I don't count it. I know I'll be more tempted to spend it if I do. And it's for true emergency situations. Like if I don't have enough gas to make it to work one week or if Cayle is almost out of diapers and I don't get paid for another week. I know I'll have that money. So it's almost like a security blanket. And an ease of mind for me. My anxiety levels with money are so high.
An update on my cosmetology license testing : I got a delivery confirmation in the mail and I have to send off my payment for the first part of the test before I can schedule an actual day. I have a lot of test anxiety. But I know I can do it.!
But on a positive note I got my card working, a bank account open, direct deposit shouldn't be a problem to set up, I won't have to deal that a prepaid card crap anymore, money in the bank, a bank card coming in the mail, and Cayle and I are doing well.
I have a lot to be happy about. I'm definitely on the right track to being my own family with Cayle.
My plan is to keep my spending at a minimum so I can let some money build up. If I can manage to spend less than fifty dollars a week and save the rest of that I'll be satisfied. The only things I really get anymore are gas and baby items (diapers, wipes, etc..). I want to apply for a credit card with a small limit to try and build some credit. Probably around the time I have 700 dollars built up. I wouldn't use it for much and I would always make sure that I have that money in the bank if I use the card any. I want to be able to buy a house one day.. and I can't do that without credit. It's a lot to handle, but I think I'm doing okay. Money stresses me out anyways..
As far as a savings account I want to try to put in at least $30 out of each pay check if I can afford to. If not I want to try to put what I can in there. I'm also keeping an emergency stash of cash in my fire proof lock box. I put a little in it each time I have extra cash. I don't count it. I know I'll be more tempted to spend it if I do. And it's for true emergency situations. Like if I don't have enough gas to make it to work one week or if Cayle is almost out of diapers and I don't get paid for another week. I know I'll have that money. So it's almost like a security blanket. And an ease of mind for me. My anxiety levels with money are so high.
An update on my cosmetology license testing : I got a delivery confirmation in the mail and I have to send off my payment for the first part of the test before I can schedule an actual day. I have a lot of test anxiety. But I know I can do it.!
But on a positive note I got my card working, a bank account open, direct deposit shouldn't be a problem to set up, I won't have to deal that a prepaid card crap anymore, money in the bank, a bank card coming in the mail, and Cayle and I are doing well.
I have a lot to be happy about. I'm definitely on the right track to being my own family with Cayle.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Payday is supposed to be sweet..
But this payday has been an absolute pain in my butt. Since I haven't had the money to start a bank account my money from working at Regis was put onto a prepaid Visa debit card. Well, personally I didn't mind that because money is money right.? I had to call to get the card activated and they asked for my social security number and when I key it in, they said they didn't have that number on record. Are you kidding.? So without my SS number on record I can't activate my card. So I call to speak to customer service, and those idiots won't help me. They're paid to read off a script. They told me to fax my name, visa card number, social security number, and phone number to their fax number. So since Daddy was at work today I sent him the information to fax to them because we don't have a fax machine. God forbid I email it to this damn company. Pardon my French. So when I sent the information to Daddy to fax off, I assumed it would be fine and that I would have the card activated in no time. That's the polar opposite of what has happened. The fax machine at Daddy's office said the number wasn't in service. So I called the card company again and had them confirm that it was the right number. I told them what was happening. All they told me was that it's the right fax number and that their machines are working. By this point my blood is boiling. I've been trying since yesterday to get this card activated so I can have access to my money. Well I call my boss and tell her what's going on and she said it wouldn't allow her to change my information or anything. I hated bothering her with this especially since she's at work today and Saturdays are busy. But she was concerned and trying to help as much as possible. She knows I need my money. The card company then proceeds to tell me they wouldn't get the fax (if it went through) until Tuesday or Wednesday. Long story short. I've got $18. No money for probably another week or so until this garbage gets straightened out. I'll tell you though, first plan of action when I do get this money I'm withdrawing it off this freaking card and switching to direct deposit. Lesson learned right.? Even though I was planning on getting everything fixed with with money anyways. UGGGGGHHHHH.!!!!!!!! That just throws my entire week and budget off. And this is the only place I can vent about. My boss said she would try to figure out this issue first thing Monday morning. Because with it being a Saturday, there's not much they can do. I'm not too sure what to do right now. This really sucks. It's like one step forward and two steps back sometimes. But hopefully within the next few days everything will be straightened out and I'll be banking with the bank I want to be and never have to worry about this prepaid debit card hell again.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Birthday plans in the making.
Cayle is turning 3 in less than 6 months. It's time to start party planning.! As far as a theme, I'd love to do a Disney's cars theme. He LOVES Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater. He has about 6 McQueen cars around the house that I know of.
I'm pretty satisfied with how last year's party turned out. I really liked the location. I've had my baby shower there and his second birthday party there. It won't cost anything. However, I've also thought about having the party at the indoor pavilion in the park. It's a little bigger and they have a back deck with a view of all the changing leaves and the lake. It's $15 an hour though. And it books fast. But it's worth a shot. I'm still very indecisive as far as location goes.
For invitations, I think I want to do the invitations I found on Pinterest. They look like race tickets and I thought that would be neat for the party.!
Food is my forte. And I want Fall foods mostly. I saw the idea of making apple wedges into cars and that is a MUST for this party. I saw the drink dispensers with labels on them that were things that would go in a car like motor oil and anti freeze but it was actually sweet tea and lemonade.! That I can definitely do. Those will be good to have for future parties as well. I have my heart set on a tiered cake this year, but I'm not completely sure how that'll work out. But we can only hope. I saw a neat idea for a cake shaped like a race track too. I still plan on doing treat bags this year.
Decorations are going to be a little challenging. I want to go to party city this weekend and see what I can find. I'm 90% sure they have latex balloons with Lightning McQueen on them if so, I'm going to stock up now. I really like the traditional Cars decorations. Especially for Cayle. He loves anything with the characters on it.
I'm not sure about games. I'd love to do something like that, but I'll have to look for some games everyone can play..everyone that will anyways.
This year, I want to hire Haylee Robinson to do our family portraits as well as pictures at his party. For the price, I can't beat it. And her work is great.! I just hope she's not booked then. If anything, I can always go to JC Pennies for our portraits. Those are good too. They're just pricey. And I got all of our photos from our session for about $15 after shipping and tax from Walmart.com. Not bad if I do say so myself.
Presents are another thing I haven't given much thought. But I want to look into those leap pads from leap frog. Brittney I think you got one for Samantha last Christmas. But since his birthday and Christmas are so close together, I don't want to go overboard on presents and have nothing to get him for Christmas. I think I want to look into getting him a bed set for his toddler bed. It's almost time for him to get into a big boy bed. Cayle loves to do crafts with me so I want to look into getting him a toddler's art kit as well. Or making one with color wonder and other crayola products. Now the wheels are turning. I have so many ideas for gifts now.!! I want to make him a blanket. The kit I need is at Hobby Lobby and I think I'll make that a present..or a Christmas gift. More than likely a birthday gift because everyone needs a new blanket by the time winter comes around. And he loves a soft blanket. He walks around the house carrying one. Or his bear.
This will all come together closer to time, but at least I have some ideas rolling. Be sure to check out my last blog of our painting we did today.
I'm pretty satisfied with how last year's party turned out. I really liked the location. I've had my baby shower there and his second birthday party there. It won't cost anything. However, I've also thought about having the party at the indoor pavilion in the park. It's a little bigger and they have a back deck with a view of all the changing leaves and the lake. It's $15 an hour though. And it books fast. But it's worth a shot. I'm still very indecisive as far as location goes.
For invitations, I think I want to do the invitations I found on Pinterest. They look like race tickets and I thought that would be neat for the party.!
Food is my forte. And I want Fall foods mostly. I saw the idea of making apple wedges into cars and that is a MUST for this party. I saw the drink dispensers with labels on them that were things that would go in a car like motor oil and anti freeze but it was actually sweet tea and lemonade.! That I can definitely do. Those will be good to have for future parties as well. I have my heart set on a tiered cake this year, but I'm not completely sure how that'll work out. But we can only hope. I saw a neat idea for a cake shaped like a race track too. I still plan on doing treat bags this year.
Decorations are going to be a little challenging. I want to go to party city this weekend and see what I can find. I'm 90% sure they have latex balloons with Lightning McQueen on them if so, I'm going to stock up now. I really like the traditional Cars decorations. Especially for Cayle. He loves anything with the characters on it.
I'm not sure about games. I'd love to do something like that, but I'll have to look for some games everyone can play..everyone that will anyways.
This year, I want to hire Haylee Robinson to do our family portraits as well as pictures at his party. For the price, I can't beat it. And her work is great.! I just hope she's not booked then. If anything, I can always go to JC Pennies for our portraits. Those are good too. They're just pricey. And I got all of our photos from our session for about $15 after shipping and tax from Walmart.com. Not bad if I do say so myself.
Presents are another thing I haven't given much thought. But I want to look into those leap pads from leap frog. Brittney I think you got one for Samantha last Christmas. But since his birthday and Christmas are so close together, I don't want to go overboard on presents and have nothing to get him for Christmas. I think I want to look into getting him a bed set for his toddler bed. It's almost time for him to get into a big boy bed. Cayle loves to do crafts with me so I want to look into getting him a toddler's art kit as well. Or making one with color wonder and other crayola products. Now the wheels are turning. I have so many ideas for gifts now.!! I want to make him a blanket. The kit I need is at Hobby Lobby and I think I'll make that a present..or a Christmas gift. More than likely a birthday gift because everyone needs a new blanket by the time winter comes around. And he loves a soft blanket. He walks around the house carrying one. Or his bear.
This will all come together closer to time, but at least I have some ideas rolling. Be sure to check out my last blog of our painting we did today.
Thinking towards the future...and everything else.
Being at my new job has me thinking a lot about the future for both Cayle and myself. Overall, I want to move out by Spring/early Summer. I plan to stay in the Ooltewah/ Collegedale area. Cayle and I really need our own space in order to grow as a family. So with this first paycheck I plan on opening both a saving and checking account at the bank. The savings account money I plan on investing about 6 months of rent and bills for a new place just in case something happens and I need the money I know it's there. Originally I planned on saving 3 months, but 6 makes my mind feel a little more at ease. Plus the interest from the savings account will really grow over time. I know for a while I considered living with a friend, but in the long run, I just don't think it's the right choice. I don't want to get 3 months into it and decide its not working, or be stuck with all the rent and bills with the cost of raising a family. I'm not saying it would happen, I'm just saying better safe than sorry.
As far as plans for a new car, I think I just want to keep the one I have until I absolutely can't anymore. Maybe if I can give the car I have a little TLC I'd like it more. And I wouldn't be so embarrassed to drive it. It gets me from point A to point B, but I really would like to upgrade. Especially around the time Cayle starts school. I want to drop him off for school in something that looks nice and runs just as well as it looks. I want something he can be proud of. If an opportunity presents itself to where I can have a better car without breaking the bank I'm going to take it, but in the mean time, I'll make the best with what I have.
A plan I have that is somewhat in motion is to buy house supplies now. And with me working as well as cleaning house for money, that's become a little easier. I have some basic kitchen items bought, but Black Friday is when I really plan to stock up. I can get household appliances for ten dollars or so. Mom even gave me a storage tub to use for whatever I need it for. But for the most part I plan on saving as much money as I possibly can. I want to get everything done early so I can save in the winter. I'm going to start Christmas shopping next month. And birthday shopping in August. That way when Fall and Winter comes around my spending will be minimum.
Later down the road, I'd like to purchase a house. Probably in the same area. I've found some subdivisions I like and I know I could probably do it if I work hard. I'm very headstrong, and I think that's one of the reasons I've gotten as far as I have. But I feel that Cayle deserves that. He deserves a beautiful home for our family.
As far as a baby sitter for when I work, I'm pretty sure my cousin is willing to help and my neighbor. It's cheaper than daycare and when Cayle has school it'll be a little easier to work during the day and I won't have to rely so much on child care.
In addition to a new home, I'd love to have a new puppy. A boston terrier is my ideal pup. They're easy to train and wonderful with kids. And they don't shed as bad as other dogs.! I already have a name picked out and a breeder in mind.
As far as a plan for marriage, I don't really think I want to get married. I like being independent too much to have to wait on someone else. I think it's more important that I invest myself emotionally and physically into my life for Cayle and Cayle's life. And if Troy and I were to work out and marriage is in the cards for us that's fantastic, but if not I'm okay with that too. I don't have anything against people who want to get married or are married. It's just me wanting to be independent that makes this decision for me. I want to be all I can be for my son. And then there's always the issue of if whomever I marry wanting more kids. I don't think it would be fair to have kids with someone else because that baby would have what Cayle didn't. And I couldn't live with that guilt. But that's a touchy subject and I'll leave it at that.
On a side note, Cayle and I did an art project today from Pinterest.com. I lined the canvas with duct tape spelling Cayle's name, and I let him paint the canvas. When it was dry I pulled up the tape and his name was in white around the pretty colors.! I'm trying to find fun stuff for us to do this summer since there's not many options with it being so hot outside. And the bugs eating him alive. He's just now recovering from those tick bites he got a month ago. So I'm a little nervous about taking him outside. So maybe I can find a bug spray that fights off ticks and mosquitoes better than what we have.
Also, I'm doing a birthday plan post later tonight so check that out if you'd like. :)
As far as plans for a new car, I think I just want to keep the one I have until I absolutely can't anymore. Maybe if I can give the car I have a little TLC I'd like it more. And I wouldn't be so embarrassed to drive it. It gets me from point A to point B, but I really would like to upgrade. Especially around the time Cayle starts school. I want to drop him off for school in something that looks nice and runs just as well as it looks. I want something he can be proud of. If an opportunity presents itself to where I can have a better car without breaking the bank I'm going to take it, but in the mean time, I'll make the best with what I have.
A plan I have that is somewhat in motion is to buy house supplies now. And with me working as well as cleaning house for money, that's become a little easier. I have some basic kitchen items bought, but Black Friday is when I really plan to stock up. I can get household appliances for ten dollars or so. Mom even gave me a storage tub to use for whatever I need it for. But for the most part I plan on saving as much money as I possibly can. I want to get everything done early so I can save in the winter. I'm going to start Christmas shopping next month. And birthday shopping in August. That way when Fall and Winter comes around my spending will be minimum.
Later down the road, I'd like to purchase a house. Probably in the same area. I've found some subdivisions I like and I know I could probably do it if I work hard. I'm very headstrong, and I think that's one of the reasons I've gotten as far as I have. But I feel that Cayle deserves that. He deserves a beautiful home for our family.
As far as a baby sitter for when I work, I'm pretty sure my cousin is willing to help and my neighbor. It's cheaper than daycare and when Cayle has school it'll be a little easier to work during the day and I won't have to rely so much on child care.
In addition to a new home, I'd love to have a new puppy. A boston terrier is my ideal pup. They're easy to train and wonderful with kids. And they don't shed as bad as other dogs.! I already have a name picked out and a breeder in mind.
As far as a plan for marriage, I don't really think I want to get married. I like being independent too much to have to wait on someone else. I think it's more important that I invest myself emotionally and physically into my life for Cayle and Cayle's life. And if Troy and I were to work out and marriage is in the cards for us that's fantastic, but if not I'm okay with that too. I don't have anything against people who want to get married or are married. It's just me wanting to be independent that makes this decision for me. I want to be all I can be for my son. And then there's always the issue of if whomever I marry wanting more kids. I don't think it would be fair to have kids with someone else because that baby would have what Cayle didn't. And I couldn't live with that guilt. But that's a touchy subject and I'll leave it at that.
On a side note, Cayle and I did an art project today from Pinterest.com. I lined the canvas with duct tape spelling Cayle's name, and I let him paint the canvas. When it was dry I pulled up the tape and his name was in white around the pretty colors.! I'm trying to find fun stuff for us to do this summer since there's not many options with it being so hot outside. And the bugs eating him alive. He's just now recovering from those tick bites he got a month ago. So I'm a little nervous about taking him outside. So maybe I can find a bug spray that fights off ticks and mosquitoes better than what we have.
Also, I'm doing a birthday plan post later tonight so check that out if you'd like. :)
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